The security forces killed seven militants of the India-backed Fitna Al Khawarij group during an operation in the Daraban area of Dera Ismail Khan, the military’s media wing said on Thursday.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the operation was launched on the night of October 8 after intelligence confirmed the presence of militants belonging to Indian Proxy, Fitna Al Khwarij in the area.

Security forces cordoned off the area and carried out the operation after the militants opened heavy fire.

The ISPR said the troops returned fire and all seven militants were neutralised. A large cache of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the slain terrorist, the statement added.

During the operation, 30-year-old Major Sabtain Haider of the Pakistan Army, who hailed from Quetta, was martyred while leading his unit, the ISPR said.

The ISPR said the slain militants were involved in attacks on security forces, law-enforcement agencies and civilians, and were planning multiple terrorist operations inside the country.

The military spokesperson vowed that security forces remain committed to eliminating Indian-sponsored proxy terrorism.

A sanitisation operation is underway to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored terrorists found in the area, the statement said.

“The sacrifices of our brave sons strengthen the nation’s resolve, and we will continue our struggle until the last of these militants are eliminated,” the statement said.